Day 1
The Bund (外滩)
The Bund is Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade, showcasing a mix of colonial-era buildings and a stunning view of the modern Pudong skyline.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station and walk about 10 minutes.
By Taxi:
Taxis can drop you off directly at The Bund. Expect a fare of 15–30 RMB from downtown locations.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry: Free.
• Optional: Pay for riverboat rides (details in the Huangpu River Night Cruise section).
What to Do
1. Admire the contrast between The Bund’s historic buildings and Pudong’s futuristic skyscrapers.
2. Visit landmarks like the Peace Hotel and Customs House.
3. Walk along the waterfront at sunrise or night for spectacular views.
Tips
• Visit at night to see the illuminated skyline.
• Early morning is quieter and perfect for photography.
Yu Garden and Old Street (豫园)
Yu Garden is a classical Ming Dynasty garden with tranquil ponds, rockeries, and pavilions. The surrounding Old Street is bustling with shops and food vendors.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station and walk 10 minutes.
By Taxi:
15–30 RMB from most downtown locations.
Tickets and Costs
Yu Garden Entry Fee:
• 40 RMB (low season).
• 60 RMB (peak season).
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM.
What to Do
1. Wander through the garden’s peaceful paths and pavilions.
2. Visit the Exquisite Jade Rock and the Dragon Wall.
3. Explore Old Street for snacks like soup dumplings and souvenirs.
Tips
• Visit early to avoid crowds, especially in the garden.
• The garden is closed on Mondays.
Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦)
Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest building and home to the world’s second-highest observation deck.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 2 to Lujiazui Station and walk 10 minutes.
By Taxi:
20–40 RMB from downtown locations.
Tickets and Costs
• Observation Deck Fee: ~180 RMB.
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–10:00 PM.
What to Do
1. Take the world’s fastest elevator to the observation deck.
2. Enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai and beyond.
3. Visit the multimedia exhibitions on the tower’s design and construction.
Tips
• Sunset is the best time for incredible views of both day and night skylines.
• Book tickets online in advance to skip queues.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街)
One of the world’s busiest shopping streets, Nanjing Road offers a mix of international brands, local shops, and street food.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station.
By Taxi:
10–20 RMB from most downtown locations.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry: Free.
What to Do
1. Shop for souvenirs, clothes, and electronics.
2. Try street food like crab buns or roasted chestnuts.
3. Watch street performers in the evening.
Tips
• Visit in the evening for a lively atmosphere.
• Beware of tourist traps; avoid pushy salespeople.
Day 2
Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角水乡)
Zhujiajiao is a picturesque water town with canals, stone bridges, and traditional buildings, dating back over 1,700 years.
How to Get There
By Bus:
• Take a direct bus from Shanghai Stadium (2 RMB).
• Travel time: ~1 hour.
By Taxi:
150–200 RMB one way.
Tickets and Costs
• General Admission: Free to walk around.
• Attractions (Kezhi Garden, bridges, temples): ~30–80 RMB combined.
• Boat Rides: ~80–150 RMB per boat (4–6 people).
What to Do
1. Walk along the canals and cross Fangsheng Bridge.
2. Visit Kezhi Garden, Qing Dynasty Post Office, and local temples.
3. Enjoy snacks like zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and rice wine.
Tips
• Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.
Tianzifang (田子坊)
Tianzifang is an artsy enclave in the French Concession, featuring narrow alleys lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 9 to Dapuqiao Station and walk 5 minutes.
By Taxi:
15–25 RMB from most downtown areas.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry: Free.
What to Do
1. Shop for handmade goods, art, and crafts.
2. Try local teas and snacks at quirky cafes.
3. Take photos of the vibrant street art and architecture.
Tips
• Visit in the late morning or early afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
Huangpu River Night Cruise (黄浦江夜游)
This night cruise offers stunning views of the illuminated skyline of The Bund and Pudong.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 2 to Lujiazui Station, then walk to the ferry terminal.
By Taxi:
15–30 RMB from central Shanghai.
Tickets and Costs
• Ticket Price: 120–300 RMB, depending on the boat and seating.
• Cruise Duration: ~1–1.5 hours.
What to Do
1. Enjoy the illuminated views of the skyline.
2. Take photos of iconic landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Tips
• Book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Dress warmly in winter, as the outdoor deck can be windy.
Day 3
Hangzhou and Surroundings
Hangzhou is renowned for its serene beauty, especially the UNESCO-listed West Lake and surrounding tea fields.
How to Get There
High-Speed Train:
1 hour from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Hangzhou East Railway Station.
• Ticket Cost: ~70–100 RMB (2nd class).
West Lake Scenic Area (西湖)
This iconic lake offers picturesque views, pagodas, and gardens.
How to Get There
• From Hangzhou East Railway Station:
By Metro:
Take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station (龙翔桥站), which is closest to the lake. Walk for 10 minutes to reach the lake area.
By Taxi:
A 30-minute ride costing approximately 30–40 RMB.
By Bus:
Routes 7, 27, or 118 go to various parts of the lake. Check the specific stop for your planned entry point.
Getting Around West Lake
• Rent a bicycle from kiosks near the lake for 10–20 RMB/hour.
• Electric shuttles are also available for 5–10 RMB per ride.
Tickets and Costs
• General Admission: Free.
• Pagodas and Boat Rides: 20–50 RMB.
Longjing Tea Village (龙井茶村)
This tea plantation is famous for producing Dragon Well Tea, one of China’s finest green teas.
How to Get There
• From West Lake:
By Taxi:
A 20-minute ride costing 30–40 RMB. Taxis are the fastest and most convenient way.
By Bus:
Take Route 27 from West Lake to Longjing Tea Village. The bus stops near the main village area.
• From Hangzhou East Railway Station:
By Taxi:
A 40–50 minute ride costing 80–100 RMB.
By Bus:
Take Route 7 to West Lake, then transfer to Route 27 heading to Longjing Tea Village.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry: Free. Tea-tasting sessions cost 30–100 RMB.
Attraction Details
All information is subject to change.